2-tier federal gun license needed

In light of the recent slaughter of innocents in Newtown, Conn., there has been reaction from every corner of America. The theme of the reactions ranges from firearm availability to the mental makeup of the shooter to the violent and dehumanizing acts perpetuated in the movie and video industries.

By CAREY M. MURPHY

capecodtimes.com

By CAREY M. MURPHY

Posted Jan. 11, 2013 at 2:00 AM
Updated Jan 14, 2013 at 12:30 AM

By CAREY M. MURPHY

Posted Jan. 11, 2013 at 2:00 AM
Updated Jan 14, 2013 at 12:30 AM

» Social News

In light of the recent slaughter of innocents in Newtown, Conn., there has been reaction from every corner of America. The theme of the reactions ranges from firearm availability to the mental makeup of the shooter to the violent and dehumanizing acts perpetuated in the movie and video industries.

It is not going to be the last horrific incident we will see either here in America or abroad. While our daily life sometimes seems perfect and peaceful, why does it take an incredibly heinous act to shake us awake?

Solutions range from disarming this nation's firearm owners to arming schoolteachers and administrators to increasing mental health databases. It's difficult to know if anything will have a positive effect in the long run.

I feel firearm licensing and ownership, state by state, are ineffective ways to address the issue. Legitimate ownership of firearms by the sporting and shooting communities has been part of the American culture since the birth of this nation. I have always felt that gun registration should be federalized. That way all legitimate firearm owners nationwide are on a level playing field. Those deemed unqualified would be denied the privilege of ownership.

The patchwork of regulations now in place state to state is ineffective and confusing, as is enforcement of current laws. The federal government, through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, already conducts background checks, nationwide, on all legitimate firearm transactions and retains a database for those transactions. There are private sales and gun show sales that allow some purchases to fall through the cracks. Close them or regulate them!

Firearm thefts also contribute to criminals obtaining guns for a use we would all like to see ended.

At the end of the day there has to be a better system. None of the recent mass shootings has been conducted with firearms that were illegally obtained or by someone with a diagnosed mental illness or criminal record. This then brings into question the ability of that state's licensing entity to qualify the mental status and honesty of the purchaser.

One good suggestion is to create a "prohibited persons list." That comes from the Gun Owners Action League of Massachusetts. Much is made in the media of the issues surrounding "assault weapons." The caliber, the carrying capacity, and the "look" all have portrayed this style of gun as having contributed to the problem. Frankly, they have!

There are, however, legitimate firearm enthusiasts who enjoy owning and shooting them in a safe and responsible manner. If there were a "federalizing" of firearm licensing on a national scale, my suggestion would be to separate out the sporting community's firearm of choice from the firearm enthusiast's choice by classification. Allow a national discussion — including the NRA, federal and state law enforcement agencies and others — on what qualified firearms have a legitimate sporting and protection purpose and which do not.

Create an "A class" and "B class" license. The "A class" would address all firearms deemed legitimate for sporting and protection purposes. The "B" class would dictate that the owners of those "assault weapons" acquiesce to increased screening to include mental health checks for all who have access to them. Require local law enforcement authorities to have access to these gun owners' homes to confirm that sufficient locked storage is in place.

If fire departments are permitted by law to check for functioning smoke alarms in homes, we should be able to do the same for firearm storage standards. There could also be an additional requirement for a mandatory membership in a gun club. That may additionally serve to legitimize the status of those that have a reason for owning such firearms.

While there may never be a complete solution to the issues surrounding violent acts in this country, the debate needs to begin somewhere.

I offer my thoughts as a gun owner and sportsman as a stepping-off point to a broader national discussion of freedoms, rights to responsible gun ownership, and the ability of citizens young and old to live in a safer world.